Bras...(venting)

[Becky]

Guess I will just need to pull the trigger on that $62 Freya 3-part balcony bra...but before I do that I am going to visit Nordstrom Rack tomorrow and see what they might have available. I've not been there but have been told one can find good deals.

My experience with Freya is that their everyday/fashion bras are somewhat stretchy in the band compared to other brands. Don't be afraid to try a 30FF.

[Catrin]

My experience with Freya is that their everyday/fashion bras are somewhat stretchy in the band compared to other brands. Don't be afraid to try a 30FF.

This is good to know. My sports bra is the same size, and the band is a bit snug - but it should be. I just called Herroom today and they suggested I try the same size and see what that feels like. Their return/exchange policy appears to be the same as TE, which is nice. I would still prefer to try it on first, so hopefully Nordstrom Rack will have it. I am pretty taken with the style I've chosen.

[Becky]

I just placed an order with Breakout Bras. I've never shopped there before, but they have lots of sale items and no restrictions on returns of said items. Seemed like it was worth a shot for half off!

[luvmyguys]

No advice, just sympathy. I've done the e-bay thing as well.

My most favoritest bra ever ever ever is this one. It has the best support and shaping of any bra I've ever put on.

[Kathi]

I have the Freya model 4002 in beige and the band was so tight that I had to wear an extender. It eventually stretched out enough I don't need the extender. I just orderered new ones, white and black, in a 28 FF, my size, thinking I'd need to use the extenders but they both fit perfectly. HerRoom does recommend going up a band size and down a cup size in that model but I don't think it's necessary with the new colors.

I quit buying Freya fashion bras due to the stretchy bands but have had good luck with Panache Cleo bras. I really like the Panache Sports bras but haven't figured out how to pack them for bicycles tours.

I've heard that many stores don't believe that women are smaller than 32 bands and one bra fitter actually called smaller sizes "vanity" sizing. I measure 25.5" around my back. A 28 band, or even 26, is hardly "vanity" sizing.

[Catrin]

It is the Freya Gem Underwire Balcony bra I am looking at. The Herroom staffer I spoke with said the wires aren't too long for a petite woman and with certain...features of my gals the 3-part balcony will give me the type of support I need where I need it. They told me the band runs large for this model in the D7 cup size, but my cup size is not that high.

It will be interesting to see what I might uncover at TJ Max and/or Nordstrom Rack tomorrow There are a couple of Panache bras I've looked at, but the reviews seem to indicate the wires are a bit long for more petite women - though it was probably just those particular models.

I REALLY LIKE the Chantelle Cachemire - but I just can't justify $88...and this is the cheapest Chantelle I've seen

[Kathi]

Can you believe that I have 3 of the Chantelle Cachemire soft style version sitting in my drawer because they are the wrong size? Before I quit adding plus 4 to my band size I ordered and kept bras that didn't fit. Now I can't stand to put them on. I probably drove HerRoom's shipping dept. crazy with all my returns until I found the correct size.

I'm 5'1" and have had no problems with Panache Cleo sizing. I've avoided the regular Panache bras for that reason though. I tried Curvy Kate, recommendations are to order up in cup size but the size in the model I bought was so big I'd probably have to go down a size or 2. I wonder when I read the reviews if some of the reviewers are wearing their correct size.

You're so lucky you can buy in stores instead of needing to order on line. It's always guess work, although I'm finally learning what to look for.